Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard prefers Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups for vacant head coaching job

Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts was relieved of his duties on Friday after nine seasons with the club, and Damian Lillard has already made it known who he favors to be Portland's next bench boss. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Lillard said he prefers Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd or Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups. 

"I like J. Kidd and Chauncey," Lillard said.

Lillard prefers Kidd due to his head coaching experience, The Athletic adds, but Portland's front office is reportedly intrigued by Billups. It's believed the job will go to one or the other. 

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Lillard will have significant input in the hiring process. The 30-year-old has a "great relationship" with Kidd and has great respect for his basketball knowledge, Haynes adds. 

Kidd entered coaching after a Hall of Fame career in the NBA. He coached the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, compiling a 183-190 record, before joining the Lakers as an assistant in 2019. 

Billups, meanwhile, joined Ty Lue's staff this season after a stint with ESPN. 

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike D'Antoni and Juwan Howard are also expected to be considered for Portland's head coaching vacancy.